P.b. Gardens Routs Jupiter

Palm Beach Gardens — Junior quarterback Justin Jacob threw for three touchdowns and 133 yards to lead Palm Beach Gardens to a 26-0 win over visiting Jupiter High on Friday night.

Two of Jacob's scoring passes went to senior receiver Frantz Simeon, including an 8-yard toss that was the only score in the first half.

"We were able to make some adjustments in the second half offensively and we executed better," said Gators coach Tim Tharp as his team, ranked ninth in Class 6A, improved to 2-0.

The Gators' defense set up three touchdowns. In the second quarter, the Gators defense tipped a Jupiter punt and recovered it at the Warriors' 33-yard line. Five plays later, Jacob hit Simeon across the middle for the 8-yard score.

Gardens scored on a three-play, 42-yard drive in the third period. Jacob connected with Simeon on a 26-yard scoring pass to finish the drive.

The Gators defense recovered a Jupiter fumble at the Warriors' 8 midway through the fourth quarter. Two plays later, Jacob threw a four-yard TD pass to sophomore Emanuel Cook.

Jupiter lost another fumble at their 41 on the next series and the Gators scored again in six plays, this time on a 31-yard run by senior Louie Agrusa.

Jacob completed 11 of 18 passes for 133 yards. Simeon caught five passes for 62 yards and Maurio Nocent had five catches for 67 yards.

On the ground, the Gators rushed for 139 yards, led by Agrusa and Cook with 42 yards each.

Tharp had been concerned about the Gators offense, which had produced 10 points in the opening win over John I. Leonard.

"It doesn't concern me now," he said.

"I think we moved the ball well up and down the field in the second half. It was good to see us throwing the football and making completions."

The Gators will open its District 5-6A schedule against Palm Beach Lakes next Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

After playing two state-ranked teams to open the season, Jupiter will face District 14-4A foe Palm Beach Central next Friday in Wellington.

WELLINGTON 38, PALM BEACH CENTRAL 7: Senior quarterback B.J. Schrecengost threw three touchdown passes, including two to Jesse Hester Jr., and ran for another as the host Wolverines trounced the Broncos in the first game of their neighborhood rivalry Friday night at Wolverine Stadium.

Schrecengost led easy scoring drives on the Wolverines first two series -- a 67-yarder to Hester down the left sideline and a 36-yard pass to Matt Dilapi on the right side, respectively. Schrecengost and Hester also combined for a 24-yard TD play as the junior wide receiver beat single coverage while making a fingertip catch with 1:20 remaining in the third quarter to give Wellington a 31-7 lead.

Palm Beach Central (0-2) scored the first points in school history when junior tailback J'Mayne Christian bulled over left tackle with 7:54 left in the third quarter. Christian finished with 90 yards on 18 carries, including a 41-yard carry, and caught one pass for 48 yards. The Broncos, who were limited to 40 yards in total offense in their opener against Lake Worth, finished with 227 yards.

Wellington senior defensive lineman Jeremy Payne completed the scoring when he tipped a pass to himself and raced 50 yards untouched down the middle of the field with 4:10 left in the game.

ROYAL PALM BEACH 42, SPANISH RIVER 28: A 99-yard opening kickoff return by Kenny Johnson sparked a night of long touchdowns for the host Wildcats.

The Wildcats continued to light up the scoreboard as quarterback Michael McKelton ran for a 39-yard touchdown and running back John Destine rumbled for a 61-yard score.

Royal Palm had gained 104 yards and scored 21 points on there first four plays from scrimmage.

The Sharks pulled within 21-13 on two touchdown runs from Jason Chery, 1 yard and 63 yards.

On the next play, Destine put the game away with a 70-yard scamper for his second touchdown of the night.

The Wildcats finished the night with 315 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

After the game, Wildcats coach Eric Patterson said: "It takes off a lot of pressure when you start off the night like that. We were allowed to let our talent play tonight, and the kids proved what they can do if they don't make mistakes."

About Providence Christian: Both schools have first-year football teams, but Jupiter Christian had more success in filling out its schedule than Providence Christian. Providence has only four games on its schedule and won't play again until Oct. 10.

About Jupiter Christian: The Eagles are trying to extend their undefeated status through two games. They mounted an excellent rushing attack last week, led by Jake Smith and Chris Downs, who combined for 183 yards on the ground.